Suleman Khan has grown up around doctors and medicine his whole life. But it was not until he got a first-hand look and some personal experience in the world of medical science that he knew it was the path for him.

The Cupertino High graduate has two physicians as parents, and he is seriously considering becoming one as well. During his time at 'Tino, Suleman jumped on a number of high-profile opportunities to learn more about the medical profession.

"I've been trying to explore the real world of medicine and see what I like, and what fits," he said.

Suleman's interest in medicine began when he was in the seventh grade. His grandfather underwent heart valve surgery, which gave him a personal window into how a doctor can impact the lives of patients and their loved ones.

"I have been surrounded by doctors my entire life, but I really had no idea what I would be when I was a child," he said. "It was an amazing experience for me, just to be around these physicians who are able to make a difference in the lives of others."

In October 2012 he took part in an exclusive four-weekend high school outreach program with the Santa Clara County Medical Association and Stanford. There he engaged in discussions with eminent physicians from the fields of cardiology and neurology and dissected sheep organs with first- and second-year Stanford medical students to study anatomy.

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"The thought of research really appealed to me, because I like science and I felt that research is really interesting," he said. "With traditional medicine, you are working directly with the patients. Research is a way to connect the patient bedside with the lab where discoveries are being made."

In April 2013 over spring break, Suleman shadowed a physician in cardiology at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. He learned the principles of EKG readings and also observed procedures in surgical wards, including stent implants and mitral valve replacements, a procedure similar to what his grandfather had.

"I was not only able to interact with patients, but it was an amazing opportunity to be behind the scenes and see a professional in action. Being able to hear patient stories and interact with them was an amazing experience," he said.

Suleman is continuing a research internship with the Stanford University School of Medicine. Since June 2013, he investigated morphological changes induced by mechanical ventilation on neonatal mice genetically modified to have a reduced expression of elastin. He also performed gel electrophoresis, genotyping, cell assays and immunohistochemistry assessments. He also assisted in conducting animal studies and preparing neonatal mice for mechanical ventilation.

He coauthored two research manuscripts that are currently under review and provided a poster presented at the American Thoracic Society and the Stanford Pediatrics Department.

"All of these opportunities were valuable. You have to explore and see what you like and interested in pursuing," he said. "It's sort of this abstract concept, and until you get to see it in person, you don't really understand what is going on."

At school, he participated in the Cupertino High Student Doctors Club, the American Red Cross, California Scholarship Federation, Science & Engineering Club, World Core Scholars and various other clubs and organizations.

Suleman recommends to fellow high school students trying out new things to get a taste of what to expect before college.

"Take risks. You will be able to find a career you enjoy only if you keep on exploring," he said.

Suleman's time at 'Tino helped him prepare to take those risks.

"It encouraged to push me beyond what I thought I could achieve and provided me with tremendous opportunities," he said.

He will be attending UC-Berkeley in the fall and studying molecular biology with a biochemistry focus. The end goal is to become a doctor.

"I want to be able to continue working on research and explore other aspects of research I have never done before and continuing to shadow physicians and maybe work with hospital volunteers."